An Update on Tate

If you follow me on Instagram, you've probably seen my updates about Tate over the last week. He injured himself jumping onto our bed last weekend and hasn't been himself ever since. He is typically a very active, jumpy dog. He jumps up and down when someone knocks at the door, or if he has to go to the backyard to potty; if we're going to give him a treat, or when he wants to take a nap on the sofa or jump up on the bed, so jumping has never been a physical issue for him. When he started to leap onto the bed last Saturday night, we didn't think anything of it, but as soon as he landed, he started yelping in excruciating pain. We took him to the vet and she wasn't able to really find anything after a physical examination. X-rays didn't show any broken bones, but they did show that one of the discs in his lower spine has morphed in shape over time. The doctor said it could be completely unrelated and just a coincidence that they found it on the scan or it could be pinching some nerves and possibly causing the pain. For the past week, Tate has been on pain killers and bed rest with orders from the vet for limited physical activity. He seemed to be getting a little better each day even though he hasn't fully been himself. Unfortunately, on Friday, before his follow-up visit at the vet, he decided he felt well enough to jump on the bed again. It all happened in the blink of an eye and we weren't able to stop him in time. As soon as he was airborne, he was yelping in terrible pain again. 
We are taking Tate to a neurologist today to see if we can get more answers since the vet wasn't really able to give us a solid prognosis. It's so difficult to see him in pain and suffering when he so badly wants to engage in his regular activities, but knows that he can't. I wish that I could explain to him what is happening and that we are doing everything we can to get him healthy again. I wish that he could transfer his pain to me because as an adult woman, I know my limits and could handle something like this better than my sweet puppy son can. Fabian and I have been worried sick and have hardly slept thinking of all of the what ifs. 
Today is my birthday and I honestly don't want anything for myself. On this birthday, my only wish is for my wonderful dog to get better without having to undergo surgery or anything quite so major. Please keep Tate in your thoughts and prayers today as we see the specialist. Thank you so much!
P.S. Thank you to everyone who has contacted me about being a contributor on La Dolce Vita. I am still reading through all of your submissions and will get back to each of you shortly!